Laser Hair Removal®
What is Laser Hair Removal?
BBL, or BroadBand Light Hair Removal treatment for unwanted hair is a non-invasive approach to reduction and long-term hair removal. BBL laser hair removal is specially designed to safely eliminate undesired hair from all areas of the body.* Because the BroadBand Light affects hair follicles only when they are in the growth phase, more than one laser hair removal treatment is necessary to destroy hair follicles that enter the growth phase next. During your consultation for laser hair removal in Clearwater, you will be advised as to the approximate number of treatments you may need. A full-body laser hair removal treatment consists of passing the BBL wand over your skin. As the BroadBand Light’s wide beam penetrates your skin, it is absorbed by the melanin or pigment in the hair follicles. The heat generated by the light destroys the follicle causing the hair to fall out. Unfortunately, Laser Hair Removal does not work on blond or gray hair.
Laser treatment is a great option for those considering hair removal in Clearwater, FL, but who have a lower pain tolerance. Most people report minimal discomfort, resembling the snap of a rubber band on the skin. If you are very sensitive, a topical anesthetic can be applied to numb the area being treated. There is no downtime, however, you cannot have a tan and must stay out of the sun during the time you are being treated.
Laser Hair Removal Before + After Results
Avoid Direct Sun
Avoid direct sun and all forms of tanning (including self-tanner or spray tans) on the treatment area for 2 weeks before and after each LHR treatment. This is very important. Please plan accordingly.
Discontinue Exfoliants and Accutane
Discontinue Retin-A, Glycolics, Alpha or Beta Hydroxy Acids, and exfoliants for one week prior to each treatment. Discontinue Accutane (and any isotretinoin products) for 12 months prior.
Cold Sores
If your face will be treated and you have a history of facial cold sores, please notify us in advance so that we may provide you with a prescription for antiviral medication to start before your treatment. The LHR treatment cannot be performed on/near an active cold sore.
Be Available
A series of treatments is required to achieve desired results and it is important that the treatments are performed on a set schedule. Make sure you will be able to comply with the treatment plan/schedule before you begin.
Stop Waxing, Plucking, & Tweezing
Discontinue all waxing, plucking, tweezing, and depilatories for 2 weeks prior to starting your Laser Hair Removal treatment series. This allows the hair to grow into the area to provide the necessary
target for the Laser, which is required for the process to work.
Clean Shave
Please come to your appointment with a clean shave in the area to be treated. It is best to shave the night before (not the morning of) so that the skin is not irritated at the time of treatment.
Other Treatments
It is important to wait at least 2 weeks after an LHR treatment before getting other treatments on the same area.
Clean Skin
Please come to your appointment with clean skin – remove all makeup, creams and lotions – and a clean shave in the area.
Dress Comfortably
Please dress so that you may comfortably and modestly expose the treatment area, when applicable (i.e. bikini, legs, underarms).
Antiviral Medications
If antiviral medication was prescribed for you, please make sure to continue to take as directed.
Side Effects
You may have a mild sunburn-like sensation following the treatment that is usually gone within a few hours. Mild swelling and skin redness is common and normally lasts for 3-4 days.
Ice Packs
A cold compress or an ice pack can be used to provide comfort and minimize swelling. This is typically only needed within the first 12-24 hours of the treatment
Sensitive Skin
Your skin will be fragile for 2-3 days. Avoid using exfoliants, retinols, alpha or beta hydroxy acids, or topical Vitamin C products for one week. Do not use any mechanical devices or washcloths to wash your face. Only wash your face with your hands for one week. Treated areas may be temperature sensitive.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 2 weeks post treatment and wear a large brimmed hat (when facial areas are treated) or clothing to cover the area plus minimum 50 SPF whenever going outside for at least 2 weeks. This is important to minimize chances of hyperpigmentation and scarring.
Avoid Exercise and Heat
No strenuous exercise for 48 hours post treatment. For 1 week, avoid exposing the treated skin to hot water, steam/steam rooms, chlorinated pools, the ocean, hot tubs, saunas, and any activities that expose the skin to potentially unclean environments and/or produce excessive perspiration.
Schedule Follow Ups
Please schedule your follow-up appointment 90 days after your final LHR treatment to assess results and determine whether additional treatments are needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Laser Hair Removal for the Face
If you are seeking options for facial hair removal in Clearwater, FL, Laser Hair Removal for men and women is a popular way to eliminate unwanted facial hair for good. Hair on the upper lip, chin, neck, and cheeks can be removed in a series of typically 4-6 treatments over time. For best results, the unwanted hair must be dark in color. Blonde, white, and gray hair do not typically respond well to the treatments since the Laser energy is not absorbed as well by lighter-colored hair. In addition to facial areas, Laser Hair Removal can be used on virtually any part of the body where unwanted hair grows. Other popular areas are the legs, bikini area, underarms, and arms.
Does it hurt?
Most patients report minimal to no discomfort. A snapping sensation is felt for less than 2 seconds with each pulse.
How frequently are treatments performed?
Multiple visits are important to achieve optimum results due to the hair growth cycle. For the face and neck, treatments are performed every 4-6 weeks. For the body, treatments are performed every 6-8 weeks.
How many treatments will I need?
It all depends on the hair type and color. On average 6 treatments are typical. Clients with darker skin coloring or fine/light hair will need 1 or 2 additional treatments.
What are the side effects?
A mild sunburn look and sensation may last for a few hours.
What if I miss an appointment?
We will manage your return visit for you based on your previous treatment so that you will achieve the best outcome. Simply, notify the scheduler that you missed your last visit and we will find the appropriate week to return.
What should I do to prepare for the treatment?
You may shave the area 1-2 days prior to the laser therapy. No tanning or waxing/tweezing 4-6 weeks prior to your treatment.
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